Sunday, May 31, 2009

Is there anything more perfect than picking up the phone and saying, "I want to go to the coast May 27th through the 29th" and hearing "Ok, let's go!" I really don't think there is. And I barely gave them a weeks notice. In Gina's case, all I really have to say is wake up, we're going somewhere, and she stumbles to the car. Gia takes a day or two to rearrange her busy schedule. I need a schedule.

So Gia picked me up Wednesday morning and we zoomed over to get Gina and headed south. It pretty much rained on us the entire way there. I kept thinking we would drive out of it. But it was even raining on the coast. We got there around 4, unloaded our stuff at our home for the next 3 days and headed to the beer joint on the beach. After all, that's what we were there for! We ate a bite and had a few beers...and found out that Gina doesn't like water in her beer. Go figure. The rain stopped and cleared off while we sat in the bar with the locals. So we headed back to the pool and the huge bottle of margaritas that Gia brought. Gina had more beer, Gia had a margarita and I think I had the rest.

The next morning I woke up as Gia was going out the door. There was nothing in the room to tell me what time it was so I got up and dressed and headed to the beach. And left this one enjoying what she loves best about a vacation. Don't we all?It was still cloudy. I didn't realize until I got to the beach that the sun was just coming up. So I spread my towel and had a seat to enjoy the show. And it was beautiful. The wind was high making the waves high too.The birds put on a show too. This ones a butt poker. Hes a lot bigger than the gulls.Later in the day someone told us about the wildlife preserve/bird sanctuary that was there in Port Aransas. As many times as we have been there, we didn't know about it. And Gia does love the wildlife so we HAD to go see.It can kind of make you take a step back when this sign is the first thing you see. Supposedly there is only one. We didn't see him so I will just take their word for it.We watched the crabs dance around and mate.Watched the turtle sunbathing and defending her spot.Watched the birds pole sit. No dancing involved.Made the sun beauties pose.After seeing all the critters we could stand, we headed back to the pool. They were out there for hours, as in long enough to get crispy. Me, I laid in the room for a while then did some local art shop browsing. Came in to hungry girls. Of course I was named to fix supper. No problem. I got the meat out and put it in a skillet and got butted out. That little six foot kitchen isn't room enough for our three butts, so mine found a chair to supervise from.Later on we headed for a short sit at the beach. And watched Gia in the running of the gulls. I refuse to take her to Spain. Gulls is all she gets.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Well, we did it again. Another wonderfully successful party. I am humbled, once again, at every ones generosity. I always feel like I never say enough thank yous to everyone. I even had a speech planned this year, with a list attached and everything. So I wouldn't miss anyone this year. The speech never got made.

The whole night is such a whirlwind that I am not even sure that I breath during it. I swear if it wasn't for appointed drill SargentGia, I wouldn't even remember to put my drawers on! Oh, what a party that would be!

And what everyone wants to know first...Ellen from Taylor won the beautiful quilt. So sorry it wasn't you. But I couldn't have asked for a more excited scream when I called out her name. Its so much more fun when the winner is present. Just look at that happy smile. I know, you would have smiled too. But get over it, you didn't win. Maybe next year you will buy more tickets.And Zeta got to visit with her best friend Wanda who came all the way from Bremond.Just look at them line up for the margaritas. I spent the night looking for mine, as usual. I always set it down to hug cause its not nice to pour it down the back of a new girlfriend. Then I cant find it again. I swear someone was hiding it from me.And what is a party without pole dancing? Very boring, that's what. And if its something we do not have is a boring party. I'm not going to tell you her dancer name.But the "who came the farthest" award goes to my best girlfriend Sharon. All the way from St Louis MO. Just for me. I love her!Of course the best dressed award goes to (drum roll here) Tike! Looking especially beautiful in her teal and hot pink summer frock. She does love to party.Just look at how stuffed that tumbler was!!! That means bucks folks!And the bucks are for the scholarship winner Jessie (on the right). She is very grateful for any help at all. Working full time and taking a full course load and being mom to Bailey. Congratulations and the very best of wishes to you Jessie!We did manage to keep Zeta sober most of the night. I actually don't think she even knows what a beer tastes like. But this picture was fun to pull off. Here mom, hold this for a minute...Click!And the star of the night...Mary Charlotte Young. Totally awesome! Everyone loved her.And they partied into the night.And I have to thank you all once again. For your love, prayers and support. For your unwavering friendship. For your lifting me up and holding me up when I sink. For your constant encouragement.Mom thank you for instilling in me the goodness to want to do this and help others. For quilting your little fingers to the bone. For all you do.Gina and Gia...thank you for everything. Without the both of you, this would never happen. You are always there for me, no matter what kind of crazy thing I come up with next. You are always right there in the middle of it all. Cheering and pushing me on. Making it all happen. My dreams, and YOU make it happen. Thank you...I love you.